After winning back to back National Championships last year, the Vipers started this season rebuilding with sixteen new players, and just six players back from last year's Royal Bank Cup Championship team. After last night's 3-2 double overtime loss to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, the Vipers wrapped up the month of December and are currently tied with the Penticton Vees for top spot in the Interior Division four months into the season. I know it's a little hard to try and compare this year's Vipers team-roster with last year's Vipers team-roster but I was interested in seeing how this year's Vipers team-roster matched up against the past two Royal Bank Cup Championship Viper teams after the month of December. Let's take a look and compare stats.

After being outplayed by the visiting Vernon Vipers on Wednesday and again during the first period on Thursday, the Salmon Arm Silverbacks rebounded for a 3-2 overtime win in the second half of the team’s home and home series.

Captain David Killip, who had been a non-factor for most of the game, lifted his team with a goal at 2:53 of the second overtime period.

He was aided and abetted by Jayson Reardon and Brett Knowles as they controlled play in the Viper zone. Off the left boards, Knowles passed rink wide to Killip for a one-timed snap shot that went through Kirby Halcrow’s pads as he desperately slid across.

In sports parlance, the Silverbacks will call the game a “character win” because they had dropped three straight games in which they had allowed six goals. In each game, they had faded late in the game.

In the first overtime period, the Vipers had a four-on-three power play when Killip took his third straight penalty. As they did in the two third period Viper power plays, the ‘Backs bailed out their captain with some spirited penalty killing.

Goalie Kris Moore was tested severely during the Vipers’ overtime power play, but he kept the Vipers at bay.

Moore was also very solid in the first period, when his team was out shot 14-6. The Vipers did strike first, at 10:01, when Aaron Hadley cashed in a rebound of a Darren Nowick shot. During the sequence, the Vipers looked like they would not be denied as they stormed the Salmon Arm net.

Against the run of play, the Silverbacks equalized at 17:36. A Viper defensive breakdown allowed Jarryd Ten Vaanholt to find Bryce Gervais for an open shot in the right faceoff circle. Gervais perfectly placed his shot over Kirby Halcrow’s right shoulder.

Perhaps buoyed by being tied after being outplayed, the Silverbacks played with more determination in the second period and they moved into a 2-1 lead at 1:22. Ten Vaanholt’s innocent shot from the right boards went through Halcrow and the near-capacity crowd went silent.

The Silverbacks maintained their edge until the middle of the period, when the Vipers started to pick up their physical play. The Vipers, who out hit the visitors 14-4 in the period, were rewarded with a Marcus Basara goal at 13:23, following sustained pressure.

Playing on the top line with Kyle Murphy and Bryce Kakoske because David Robinson sat out with an injury, Basara popped in a rebound after both Kakoske and Murphy had put shots on goal.

In this seesaw battle, the Vipers had the edge in play in the third period. Both of Killip’s penalties resulted when he was unable to keep up the speedy Vipers. Vernon nearly took the lead when Mike Zalewski’s low shot looked like it would go in to the left of Moore. However, Moore got the enough of the puck to deflect it onto his left goal post.

Again in the first overtime, the Vipers had most of the scoring chances, but were unable to capitalize. That set the stage for Salmon Arm’s comeback in the second OT period.

A crowd of 3,015, the largest Wesbild crowd of the season, took in the game. As a result, the Vipers will donate $2,000 to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital’s Tower building fund. For the remainder of the season, each crowd of 2,500 or more will trigger a $1,000 donation, while crowds of 3,000 or more will lead to a Viper donation of $2,000.

Viper Marketing Manager was very happy with the turnout: “The Vipers appreciate the support given to the hospital fund and to the team. Let’s keep it going!”

Vernon and Penticton are now tied for top spot in the Interior Division with 53 points, although the Vees have played one less game. The Vees play Westside on Friday and then meet the Vipers in Vernon on Saturday.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

I was at tonight's BCHL game as Salmon Arm defeated Vernon 3-2 in double overtime in front of 3,015 fans at the Wesbild Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Kirby HalcrowSalmon Arm: Kris Moore

1st Period: The Vipers got off to a good start and took it too the Silverbacks early and often. Steve Weinstein stepped over the Backs blueline and ripped a hard shot just 23 seconds into the hockey game, that seemed to give Salmon Arm starting goaltender, Kris Moore problems. Moore made the pad save but the puck caught the inside of his pads as the puck fell before Moore had to be sharp and cover up the loose puck to stop the play. Vernon was waisting very little time getting shots on Moore, as the Vipers were firing pucks towards Moore on any chance they got. The Vipers were skating, moving the puck well and making nice crisp passes early and often. Vernon was all over Salmon Arm early and for most of the opening period as the Silverbacks couldnt get anything going. Salmon Arm seemed to be back on their heels a bit and wernt skating, as the Vipers were winning the battles, races for the pucks and getting several shots on goal. Vernon was up 5-0 in shots, before Salmon Arm wouldnt get their first shot on goal until the twelve minute mark. Max Mowat's point shot was tipped in front as Aaron Hadley couldnt bury the puck past Kris Moore. But on the same play the Vipers worked hard keeping the play in the Backs zone, Darren Nowick setup Hadley at 10:01 giving Vernon the 1-0 lead. Nowick and Max Mowat collected the assists. The Vipers were all over the Silverbacks but how many times have we seen this all season, Vernon couldnt put Salmon Arm away and allowed the Backs to tie the game late. Lumby product Jayson Reardon made a nice head's up play feeding Jarryd Ten Vannholt who fed Bryce Gervais who beat former Quesnel Millionaire Kirby Halcrow who was caught deep in his net as the Silverbacks tied the game 1-1 at 17:36 on just their fourth shot of the game. This goal seemed to give Salmon Arm a little life as the Silverbacks looked a little better in the final two and a half minutes. In the dying seconds a nice heads up pass up through the middle sent Matt Cassidy in on the breakaway, but the buzzer went before Cassidy could even get off a shot. It was all Vernon as the game was tied 1-1 after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers outshot the Silverbacks 14-6.

2nd Period: The Vipers got off to a bit of a slow start, Vernon quit skating and was caught running around in their own end. The Backs with some good pressure early caught Vernon napping. Brandon Mistal setup Jarryd Ten Vannholt who beat Halcrow at 1:22 giving Salmon Arm their first lead of the night and a big boost to start the middle frame. The Backs didnt quit, once again got the play in deep and forecheck the Vipers down low, Salmon Arm was the ones now moving the puck well, creating chances. It took the Vipers almost four minutes to record their first shot of the period on Kris Moore. The Vipers would take an early penalty, giving the Backs the games first powerplay. Salmon Arm looked a little sluggish to start the man advantage but as the powerplay continued former Coquitlam Express Brad Reid was robbed by Halcrow at the side of the net, this was the Backs only real good scoring chance as Vernon would kill off the minor. Just shortly after Darren Nowick was left all alone in front, but Moore come up with a huge blocker save on the Viper rookie. Just a few minutes later Salmon Arm would head back to the powerplay, the Silverbacks looked much better with the man advantage but couldnt capitalise as Vernon would kill off the powerplay. Salmon Arm was by far the better of the two teams, winning all the battles & races for the puck giving the Vipers defence all kinds of trouble in their own end. At 13:23 with a scramble in front of Kris Moore, Marcus Basara found the loose puck and beat wich looked to be a screened Moore tying the game 2-2. Bryce Kakoske and Kyle Murphy with the helpers. Off the draw back come Salmon Arm, getting the play in deep as the Silverbacks had two great chances in close both tipped in front but couldnt get the bounce to go in. The Vipers a bit back on their heels were once again caught running around in their own end, as the Backs come back with a few good solid shifts after giving up the game tying goal. Vernon played a little better in the final five minutes but that was it. Salmon Arm was the better of the teams but it was tied 2-2 after 40 minutes of play. The Backs outshot the Vipers 13-7.

3rd Period: The Vipers would win the draw and just twenty nine seconds into the 3rd Mike Zalewski stepped over the Silverbacks blueline, ripping a low shot from just outside the circle that beat Moore but hit the post as Vernon come very close to grabing the lead. The Vipers would get their first powerplay of the night early, Salmon Arm's penalty kill was very good as the Backs challenged the Vipers blocking the shooting lanes, not giving Vernon any time or space on the powerplay. Salmon Arm would kill off the minor. Brandon Mistal with a great chance, got off a quick low shot just inside the Vernon zone but Kirby Halcrow had to be alert making a pad save. Salmon Arm would then get a powerplay but unable to score as the Vipers killed off the minor. Both teams went back and forth as the play was fairly even at times in the 3rd. The Vipers slowly started to come along as the period went on, looking much better compared to the 2nd period. I thought the Vipers took the lead on a weird bounce, Todd Skirving carried the play in over the Silverbacks zone, got off a shot but the puck hit someone or something in front going high up into the air before coming down towards the goal. Kris Moore with his arm-glove in the air kept backing up as the puck went up and over the Silverbacks net, on the play it had looked like the puck went up and over and inbehind Moore on a bit of a weird play. The Vipers would carry the play for a few good minutes but couldnt generate much offence. Devin Gannon with a chance at the side of the net couldnt beat Halcrow. The Vipers would get another shot at the powerplay but would struggle as the Backs penalty kill looked very good killing off the minor. With six minutes remaining Dylan Walchuk with two great chances at the side of the net was stoned by Moore who made two huge back to back pad saves off the Viper forward. Vernon would get its third straight powerplay but once again fail to put away the Silverbacks. The Vipers moved the puck around but only managed to get two shots on goal as the Silverbacks would kill off the minor. With a minute and a half remaining, Devin Gannon would redirect the point shot and then couldnt bury the rebound after the Backs forward had Halcrow beat down low on a great chance. The game was still tied 2-2 after 60 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 12-7.

Overtime: Vernon would get a great chance to end the game with their fourth straight powerplay. The Vipers struggled with the man advantage all night and again in overtime. Vernon moved the puck around and around, waisting most of the clock but were unable to get any real good shots or chances as Salmon Arms penalty kill was solid killing off the minor. The Silverbacks with the only real good scoring chance, had a parcial two on one, before Brett Corkey hustled back into the play to break up the odd man rush, Brad Reid was still able to keep the puck and get off a quick shot from the circle but it wasnt good enough to beat Kirby Halcrow. The Silverbacks looked very good on the draw in the extra period. Both teams with not alot of room to find a way to score the game winner. It was still tied 2-2 after 65 minutes of play. The Vipers outshot the Silverbacks 4-3.

Double Overtime: Salmon Arm again was very strong in the faceoff department winning all the draws in the second ot. The Vipers just about got caught sending two players in deep as Kyle Murphy and Patrick McGillis both jumped up into the play before Salmon Arm come back the other way with the odd man rush sending Brett Knowles and Salmon Arm captain, David Killip in for the two on one, the Vipers would get lucky as the pass was high up off the ice and the Backs couldnt capitalse on the play. Salmon Arm was the better team in double overtime, the Silverbacks were skating, moving the puck well and kept things simple. Steve Weinstein with the Vipers lone chance, carried the puck in over the Salmon Arm blueline before ripping a hard shot but the puck was kicked out by Kris Moore who made the pad save. The Backs would then get the puck in deep before working the puck back to Jayson Reardon who setup Brett Knowles who waited paitently setting up a wide open David Killip who beat Halcrow from his knees at 2:53 giving the Silverbacks the 3-2 double overtime victory, snapping the Backs three game losing streak. Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 2-1.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Brett Corkey played a very strong game on the Vernon blueline. I thought Brett was the Vipers best defenceman tonight. Corkey played very well at both ends of the rink, was skating very well and seemed to be alert making some very strong heads up plays through out the contest.

Darren Nowick (1 assist) I sure enjoy watching Nowick play. This kid is super quick, can skate well, creates lots of scoring chances but couldnt buy a goal for the life of him. Nowick who has just one goal on the season, was one of the Vipers better players tonight. Darren was fyling all night, created chances, played well at both ends of the arena, had a great chance in the 2nd but was stopped by Kris Moore. Played with alot of energy.

Todd Skirving I thought was one of the more physical Vipers tonight. For the second straight night Skirving who basically never went into the corners or battled along the boards at all before the Christmas break, has really changed his style of play and because of this, has impressed me in back to back games. Skirving once again battled hard and went into the grey area's tonight. Todd didnt really do too much with the puck or create any highlight real plays but battled and competed hard. I wonder if it's the beard? Very sharp

Top Players: (Salmon Arm)

Jayson Reardon (2 assists) The Lumby product I thought looked very steady on the Silverbacks blueline. Reardon played very well defensively after Salmon Arm's defence didnt look or play that well last night.

Jarryd Ten Vannholt (1 goal & 1 assist) Ten Vannholt played very well up front for Salmon Arm. Seemed to get involved in the play and scored a key goal late in the opening period wich may have turned the game around.

Devin Gannon I thought played very well for the Backs tonight. Gannon had a few chances but also seemed to be in the faces of the Vernon Vipers, in and after the stopages. Gannon wasnt afraid to get involved after the whistle.

Brandon Mistal (1 assist) Had a few chances, another player that just seemed to be in the right spot at the right time. Skated well, was involved in the play.

Kris Moore (36 saves) Played very well between the pipes for Salmon Arm. Moore who now improves to 3-1 against Vernon this season wasnt overly sharp in last night's 6-3 loss to the Vipers but give the kid credit, he battled back tonight giving his team a chance for the victory. Moore made some good saves and key saves through out the game.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

After a huge 6-3 win last night in Salmon Arm, the Vipers looked very strong in the 1st period tonight but were only able to get one on the scoreboard after outplaying Salmon Arm the entire period. The Vipers with chances to go up by two or three goals couldnt and all it took was one shot by Bryce Gervais and the game was tied. Then an early goal to start the 2nd by Jarryd Ten Vannholt gave the Silverbacks their first lead of the night. I dont know what happened between periods but the Vipers didnt look very good in the second period. Vernon was outhit, outworked and outplayed for most of the period. Here's a chance where the Silverbacks could have went up by a goal or two and really put the Vipers in a hole. A fairly even 3rd with both teams playing well. The Vipers with four straight powerplays (three in the third and one in overtime) and they still cant win the game. The Vipers powerplay has struggled all year as it did tonight. Vernon quit skating after the opening period and I didnt think their defence looked nearly as good after last night's strong performance. I also dont think Kirby Halcrow played his best game as a Viper, Halcrow just didnt look sharp to me. The Vipers who looked so good with their puck movement and passing, sure had troubles breaking out and making a pass in the final two periods and into ot. Vernon needs a goal scorer and it showed again tonight. With the loss Vernon did manage to get a single point wich now ties them with Penticton for top spot in the Interior Division. The Vees play tomorrow night at home to Westside before making the trip to Vernon Saturday. Great to see over 3000 fans at the game tonight, one of the biggest crowds in the last two season's.

Game Thoughts: (Salmon Arm)

You knew the Backs were going to come out with a better effort and performance tonight after not looking-playing very well last night. But after the opening period tonight, I had my doubts. Salmon Arm looked much better in the 2nd and even the 3rd and into overtime. The Silverbacks played well tonight, other then the opening frame and deserved the win. Tonight was a huge win for the Backs, snapping a three game losing streak and getting back to within three points of the Vipers as well as climbing into 3rd place. This was Salmon Arm's first win on the road since November 27th (6-3 victory over Prince George). I really liked the Silverbacks penalty kill, they really forced the Vipers defence to make that quick pass, forcing a turnover or bad pass at the blueline as well as did a great job at keeping the Vipers to the outside. Salmon Arm battled hard tonight, something I didnt think they did enough of last night. Salmon Arm has Vernon's number, improving to 5-1 against the Vipers this year.

Salmon Arm Silverbacks defenceman, Clinton Atkinson has been suspended by the BCHL for two games for his check to the head on Vernon Vipers forward, David Robinson in last night's Vernon 6-3 victory.

Salmon Arm Silverbacks play by play man, Patrick Haas interview's Silverbacks head coach Tim Kehler and Salmon Arm defenceman, Clinton Atkinson on their thought's on Atkinson's suspension and the check to the head play on Vipers captain, David Robinson,

Tonight is the sixth meeting of the season & the second game of a home and home series between the defending back to back Royal Bank Cup Champion Vernon Vipers & the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Tonight is the Vipers first home game since December 5th while Salmon Arm is finishing their second straight home and home series.

-A win tonight and the Vipers will move into top spot in the Interior Division

-Vernon’s last loss on home ice was to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks back on Friday, November 12th

-Vernon is playing it’s best hockey of the season, unbeaten in their last eleven games

-The Vipers last loss was a 5-4 overtime loss to the Langley Chiefs back on Saturday, November 20th in Langley

-The Vipers are unbeaten in their last eight road games (6-0-2)

-Goaltending will be key for both teams tonight

-Specialty teams will also be key for both teams tonight

-The Vipers who have had troubles scoring goals this season, need to try and get lots of traffic in front of Kris Moore. Vernon also needs to drive towards the net, and try and get some bodies in and around the Silverbacks crease

-With the win last night, the Vipers move 5 pts up on Salmon Arm

-Vernon has only surrendered 92 goals this season, wich is second best behind the league leading Powell River Kings, who have given up just 63

-The Vipers are only just a single point back of 1st place Penticton

-Blake Voth is 1-3 in his career vs. Salmon Arm

-Kirby Halcrow is 2-4 in his career vs. Salmon Arm

-The Vipers have played just three games at home in their last fourteen games

-Starting tonight nine of Vernons next twelve games will be played at the Wesbild Centre

-Blake Voth (17-9-3 Record) is second in the league’s top ten goaltenders with a 2.07 GAA

-Vernon has the second worst powerplay in the league

-The Vipers are ranked 9th in the league on the penalty kill

-With the win last night, Vernon now has some confidence and knows they can beat the Silverbacks

-You can bet the Silverbacks will be ready to play tonight after last night’s 6-3 loss on home ice

-Specialty teams will be key

-Josh McKissock & Colin O’Hara are facing their former team. McKissock attended the Vipers training camp last season but was cut before signing with Salmon Arm this year, and O’Hara was an Assistant Coach in Vernon for just one season before leaving for a head coaching job in the SJHL. O’Hara is in his first season with the Silverbacks.

-Kris Moore (11-5-1 Record) is tenth in the league’s top ten goaltenders with a 2.93 GAA

-Salmon Arm has the leagues second best powerplay & as well as the leagues second best penalty kill

-With the loss last night, the Backs are now 5 pts back of Vernon and just a single point up on the 5th place Trail Smoke Eaters

-Salmon Arm who has had troubles keeping the puck out of their own net, will need solid goaltending tonight

-The Silverbacks need to get more pucks in deep and get more offence going tonight, where they struggled in both departments last night

-Salmon Arm is 2-0 in Vernon but has struggled away from home going 10-8-1

-The Backs last win away from home was November 27th (6-3 victory over Prince George)

-You have to wonder if things may get heated up tonight, after a few liberties were taken in last nights game.

In a game that provided plenty of entertainment, the Vipers defeated the hometown Salmon Arm Silverbacks 6-3 on Wednesday.

Kyle Murphy led the Vipers with two third period goals and strong penalty killing. The 20-year-old centre showed no effects of his long journey from snow-bound New Jersey.

As in previous games between these teams this season, the Silverbacks got the early jump, outshooting the Vipers 4-0 in the first three minutes.

The fourth shot resulted in a power play goal at 3:24. David Killip won a draw and the ‘Backs controlled play. Eventually, Brett Knowles backhanded a Bryce Gervais rebound past Kirby Halcrow, who had made an acrobatic save on Gervais’s shot.

The penalty that led to the first goal was a checking from behind call issued to Aaron Hadley.

After Knowles’s 19th of the season, the Vipers took over, registering the remaining 17 shots in the period. They were helped by a series of Silverback penalties, one of which led to John Knisley’s power play marker at 15:47.

Knisley got the puck in the left faceoff circle after a win by Mike Zalewski along the boards. Knisley’s quick shot beat goalie Kris Moore who could only deflect the shot with his catcher.

Twenty-eight seconds later, Todd Skirving beat Moore with a wraparound. “I tried to jam it in at the near post and it went high to the far side.”

“It was poetic justice, I guess,” said Skirving, “because we had so many chances and he was making great saves. You just have to keep at it in games like that, and the puck will go in sooner or later.”

Moore was indeed spectacular in the period stopping two labeled Adam Thompson slap shots and diving across to rob Bryce Kakoske when Kakoske’s one-timer looked like a sure goal. He also robbed Trevor Fitzgerald.

Kirby Halcrow has his shining moments also, as he stymied Brett Knowles and Clinton Atkinson early in the period.

In the second period, a fine individual effort by Kevin Mills allowed Salmon Arm to tie the game. Mills knocked down a Viper clearance. The Viper forwards, believing that the puck was leaving the zone, were caught flat footed and Mills veered to the open left half of the zone and deposited a neat backhand past Halcrow.

Again, the Vipers bounced back with two goals. At 4:31, Bryce Kakoske’s quick release from the left faceoff circle beat Moore after tenacious play by Kyle Murphy. Two minutes later, Darren Nowick and Patrick McGillis took advantage of a misunderstanding between Moore and defenceman Jayson Reardon. McGillis was the trigger man.

However, a David Robinson spearing penalty gave the Silverbacks a chance and they capitalized at 16:15. Shorthanded, the Vipers had a glorious scoring chance on a two-on-one, but Kris Moore’s excellent pad save sent the ‘Backs on a counterattack.

Charlie Vasaturo streaked behind the Viper net and set up Jarryd TenVaanholt’s one-timer.

Robinson was also involved in an unfortunate play at the end of the period. He gave Kris Moore a bit of a snow shower. Clinton Atkinson objected and two-fisted Robinson’s head into the end glass. Eventually, the Viper captain made a slow, shaky exit, but did not return for the third period. Atkinson was assessed a major penalty and an ejection for the blow to the head.

Kyle Murphy’s first goal in the final frame came while the teams played four on four. Patrick McGillis centred the puck from the right corner and Murphy got his stick on it as it zipped into the crease.

His second goal was scored short handed with 10 seconds remaining. With a Silverback defenceman in net, Murphy took a pass from Dylan Walchuk, went behind the net and scored on a wraparound.

Murphy, who had travelled all day on Tuesday from New Jersey via Philadelphia, Toronto, and Vancouver, said, “My legs were shaky in the warm up, but eventually the adrenaline kicked in. After all, they had beaten us four times this year, so we had some emotion for this game.”

Coach Mark Ferner was pleased with his team. “We went with five D again, and then we lose Aaron and Dave, but the guys battled. I like the way we came back to get the last 17 shots in the first period. This team works hard, so I’m very happy with their effort.”

I was at tonight's BCHL game as Vernon defeated Salmon Arm 6-3 in front of 1,400 fans at the Sunwave Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Kirby HalcrowSalmon Arm: Kris Moore

1st Period: After the Christmas break, the BCHL makes all teams switch home and away jerseys for the second half of the regular season. So tonight Vernon was wearing their home white jerseys, while Salmon Arm was wearing their dark 3rd set jerseys. The Vipers would lose forward, Aaron Hadley just three minutes into the hockey game after being called for checking from behind this giving Salmon Arm an early powerplay. The Backs moved the puck well, before Kirby Halcrow was tested early making a huge glove save to keep the game scoreless. Halcrow and the Vipers couldnt keep the Silverbacks off the scoreboard for much longer, after Bryce Gervais setup Brett Knowles at 3:28 giving Salmon Arm the early 1-0 lead with the powerplay goal. Gervais with the lone helper. The Backs were outshooting the Vipers 3-0 early but Vernon would come right back and just a few minutes later Zac McPhee setup a wide open Trevor Fitzgerald who was robbed by the pad of Kris Moore who stoned the Viper rookie in front on a great scoring chance. Just a few minutes later the Vipers would get a two man advantage, Vernon moved the puck around well but was unable to get any shots towards the net. Captain, David Robinson from the side of the net through the puck in front, the puck hit someone or something in front and was laying in the crease but no Vipers were close enough to fire the puck into the empty cage as Kris Moore had no idea where the loose puck was, one of the Salmon Arm d-men scooped up the loose puck and managed to clear the zone. The Backs penalty kill looked pretty good killing off the first powerplay, with one still to go Adam Thompson stepped into his point shot but was robbed after Moore come up with a huge glove save keeping the Vipers off the scoreboard. Salmon Arm would kill off the minor and on the next play the Silverbacks would send Matt Cassidy in all alone for the breakaway, but Cassidy couldnt beat Kirby Halcrow who went down but managed to keep the puck out making a huge save. Just minutes later Vernon would head back to the man advantage and waist very little time. Dylan Walchuk setup John Knisley at 15:47 tying the game 1-1. Walchuk and Mike Zalewski drew the assists. Both teams didnt play their best hockey of the period but as the 1st carried on, Vernon seemed to get better. The Vipers slowly started to get their forecheck going late in the period as Salmon Arm looked frustrated having all kinds of trouble with the Vipers forecheck down low, just seconds after Knisley's goal, Todd Skirving was somehow left all alone down low, Skirving with a wrap around banked the puck in and off Kris Moore at 16:15 giving Vernon a 2-1 lead. Skirving's goal was unassisted. The Vipers would get the puck back in deep and kept up the forecheck, well the frustration finally boiled over for the Backs after Lumby product, Jayson Reardon pushed a Vernon player onto Kris Moore, with the play still continuing in the corner Moore then finally got up and shoved the net off its mournings stopping the play, wich then forced some pushing and shoving in the final two minutes. In the end Vernon would get a late powerplay. The Vipers moved the puck well, Malcolm Lyles screened point shot got through traffic beat Moore but hit the post as Vernon come very close to going up 3-1. This was the only real good scoring chance as the Silverbacks killed off the minor just before the buzzer. The Vipers seemed to carry a bit of the play late in the period and got better as the 1st went on. Salmon Arm with just a few scoring chances, couldnt get much offence going after scoring their lone goal early to start the game. Vernon was up 2-1 after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers outshot the Silverbacks 17-4. Salmon Arm would get just a single shot after opening the scoring at 3:28 of the period.

2nd Period: Both teams didnt look real sharp to start the second. The Backs would get a break just over two minutes into the period, newcomer Kevin Mills would skate through the Vipers defensive zone untouched, before beating Kirby Halcrow at 2:06 Halcrow who never moved on the play looked stunned. Mills goal was unassisted tying the game 2-2. The reason Mills was untouched and then beat Halcrow who didnt move on the play, was the play was offside at the Vernon blueline, and Im guessing the Vipers along with Halcrow didnt touch Mills thinking the play was going to be blown down. In fact the play was still alive and the goal stood. But just over two minutes later David Robinson with some hard work down low setup Bryce Kakoske who's shot beat Kris Moore from the slot but the puck hit the post and then went in past Moore at 4:31 giving Vernon a 3-2 lead. Kakoske's goal was unassisted. Just over two minutes later the Vipers come right back getting the play in deep, on a strange play the puck somehow come from the corner boards, right out front both Darren Nowick and Patrick McGillis tried swating the puck past a diving Moore, McGillis would be the one who would find the back of the net at 6:32 giving the Vipers a 4-2 lead. Nowick with the lone helper. The Backs would then get a powerplay just over a minute later. Vernon's penalty kill was sharp as Salmon Arm couldnt seem to get much going as the Vipers would kill off the minor. The Vipers slowly started to move the puck well and carry the better of the play at times in the second half. At times both teams looked a little scrambly. Devin Gannon was fired up about something, as Gannon gave Kyle Murphy a shot and tried to get Murphy to drop the gloves, but Murphy was smart and skated away. Both teams took some liberty towards one another, as David Robinson was give four minutes for spearing. Salmon Arm with a great chance to either tie the game or cut the lead to one. Patrick McGillis would lose his stick and come up with a huge shot block. The Backs moved the puck around well but the Vipers blocking the shooting lanes forced Salmon Arm to keep moving the puck around this forcing a turnover giving Trevor Fitzgerald and Dylan Walchuk a two on one shorthanded, Fitzgerald fed Walchuk who couldnt connect on the pass, sending the Silverbacks back the other way on the odd man rush. Give credit to Fitzgerald who showed good hustle getting back into the play but Walchuk couldnt get back in time, as Charlie Vasaturo setup Jarryd Ten Vaanholt who cut towards the slot and then snuck the puck just under the arm of Kirby Halcrow at 16:15 cutting the Vernon lead to one goal. Vasaturo with the only assist. Vernon would kill off the remainder of the double minor. On the next play Mike Zalewski all alone in front couldnt beat Moore who just got out his pad at the last second making a huge save to keep the Backs within a goal. On the final play of the game, the Vipers got the puck in deep with just a few seconds remaining on the clock. David Robinson come hard towards Kris Moore spraying the Backs goaltender with snow at the buzzer this sending Clinton Atkinson to charge the Viper captain and deliver either a check or stick to the head of Robinson. Robinson dropped to the ice sending several players in as some pushing and shoving took place in the corner to end the 2nd period. Robinson who could barly stand up, was helped off the ice and didnt return. Atkinson was given a five minute major and tossed from the game. Robinson was given a minor on the play giving the Vipers a three minute powerplay to start the 3rd. The Vipers took a 4-3 lead into the 3rd. Shots were even seven each.

3rd Period: Both teams started the final frame four on four as the Silverbacks would get the puck in deep and carry the better of the play until the Vipers would get the final three minutes on the five minute major for a lengthy powerplay. Bryce Gervais come up with a huge shot block shorthanded, give credit to Salmon Arms penalty kill who played well forcing the Vipers to take a penalty with still time remaining on the five minute major. Devin Gannon with a great chance was alone at the side of the net but couldnt beat Halcrow. A burrage of penalties over the next few minutes made things interesting. Out of all the minors the Vipers would once again head back to the powerplay and waist little time, just ten seconds into the man advantage Kyle Murphy beat Moore at 5:33 giving Vernon a 5-3 lead. Patrick McGillis with the only assist on the goal. Salmon Arm would then get a powerplay and get some great chances, Halcrow was forced to make a huge toe save off a quick shot from the slot and then Charlie Vasaturo's point shot somehow got through Halcrow as the puck was laying in the Viper crease before a Vernon d-man would clear the puck and the zone as the Silverbacks couldnt capitalise. The Vipers then played shutdown hockey for the next nine minutes, as Vernon would hit centre, get the puck in deep and change lines keeping guys fresh. Salmon Arm couldnt get any offence going with the Vipers clogging up the neutral zone not giving the Backs any room to create chances. Vernon's defence was stellor in the 3rd doing a great job defensively as well as allowing Kirby Halcrow to see any shots coming in from the point. The Backs would get another powerplay in the final four minutes this time Salmon Arm would get two good chances on the man advantage but couldnt connect on the passing as once again Vernons penalty kill was very strong. Newcomer Brad Reid had Halcrow down and out but Brett Corkey with a good stick got his stick in the way of Reid's shot sending the puck up into the mesh stopping play. Kyle Murphy who played very well tonight, come up with two big shot blocks on the penalty kill as Vernon would kill off any Salmon Arm pressure. Salmon Arm would get their third straight powerplay with 1:35 remaining. Tim Kehler would call a timeout to try and rally the troops, with a big faceoff win deep in the Vipers zone, the Silverbacks would get Kris Moore to the bench for the extra attacker but it was the strong penalty kill once again from Vernon who calmly cleared the zone on almost every Backs dump in. On atleast two or even three long shots from the Vernon zone the Vipers come close to hitting the empty net. In the final dying seconds the Vipers got the puck in deep allowing Kyle Murphy to find the empty net shorthanded with just ten seconds remaining in the hockey game, giving the Vipers a three goal lead. In the end Vernon would end their six game road trip with a 6-3 victory and their first of the season over Salmon Arm. The Silverbacks outshot the Vipers 8-6.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Max Mowat who returned after being injured the past few weeks, played very well tonight. Mowat took a few big checks but didnt back down.

John Knisley (1 goal) I was very impressed with Knisley tonight, played with a ton of energy, was skating hard, and competed on every shift. Really used his wheels to get in and out of the play.

Kyle Murphy (2 goals) I thought tonight was one of if not Murphy's best game as a Viper. Played very well at both ends of the rink, made atleast two or three huge shot blocks on the penalty kill. Worked hard all night.

Patrick McGillis (1 goal & 1 assist) Nice to see Patty McGillis get going again, McGillis played a strong game up front for the Vipers. Another player who come up with a few huge shot blocks through out tonights game. McGillis was also another player who played very well at both ends of the rink.

Todd Skirving (1 goal) I dont think saw a shift after about the midway mark of the 2nd period but up until then played very well. Here's a kid who was a top recruit, come into this season as a proven goal scorer but has yet to really find or should I say get his game going this season. Skirving who is a bigger kid but dosnt use his size to his advantage finally used his size tonight. Skirving went hard to the net on several plays, seemed to get involved in the play and in and along the boards more tonight then I have seen him do all season. Because of this, the young man was rewarded with a nice goal giving Vernon a 2-1 lead in the opening period. I sure wish Todd would drive to the net more often, use his size and start playing a little more physical. I think Skirving needs to battle and muck it up more in and along the boards and in front of the net, and work hard for his goals. Keep playing like you did tonight and things will work out.

Adam Thompson played a very solid game on the Vipers blueline. Thompson was robbed of a goal in the 1st period after Kris Moore come up with a huge glove save on Thompson.

Kirby Halcrow (16 saves) Even though Halcrow only faced 19 shots, the second year BCHLer still had to come up with a few tough saves. I think a turning point of the game could be after Salmon Arm killed off a Vernon two man advantage powerplay and then on the next play Kirby Halcrow stops Matt Cassidy on the breakaway. Cassidy scores and it's 2-0 Silverbacks and we have a different hockey game. I thought Kirby looked to have troubles handling the puck early but seemed to get better as the game went on.

Top Players: (Salmon Arm)

Charlie Vasaturo (1 assist) Vasaturo was by far the Backs best d-man tonight. The second year Silverback played and looked very strong on the blueline. Vasaturo is a big strong young man who is very hard to knock off the puck and uses his size and stature to his advantage playing physical. Vasaturo with a few nice shots from the point, created a few scoring chances.

Brad Reid who come over in a trade from the Coquitlam Express just before the Christmas break, looked good in the 3rd. I didnt think Reid looked or played that well in the first two periods but took over in the final frame getting a ton of icetime. The 20 yr old forward, carried the play alot and come up with a few chances in the 3rd but was unable to find the back of the net.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

After five meetings between these two teams, the Vipers finally beat the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. The Vipers also beat Kris Moore who was 2-0 against them this season. In both previous meetings before tonight, Moore stopped 59 out of 61 Vernon shots in back to back 4-1 Salmon Arm victories. With the win, the Vipers now have some confidence and know they can beat Salmon Arm. Vernon is now 5 pts up on the Silverbacks and just a single point back of 1st place Penticton. The Vipers are now unbeaten in their last eleven games. Well tonight Vernon got five goals past Moore who I dont think played his best game. The Vipers who played their first game since the Christmas break, showed signs of being off for the past ten days but as the game went along I thought Vernon seemed to get better and look better in the second half of all three periods. For a team who has had troubles scoring goals this season, nice to see the Vipers put six on the board tonight. Vernon's penalty kill and defence was very strong, especially in the 3rd period. I also thought Vernon moved the puck very well tonight, looked very strong breaking out of their own end as well as coming through the neutral zone. I dont know how David Robinson is, but I sure hope the Vipers captain is ok and ready to go tomorrow night. Robinson took a brutal check or stick (couldnt tell) to the head-face at the buzzer of the 2nd period. There was no need for Clinton Atkinson to react this way, and on the way home Todd Miller & Donn Klepp were saying on the radio broadcast the Vipers will be sending a tape into the league for them to view. Let's hope David is ok.

Game Thoughts: (Salmon Arm)

Before tonight the Backs were 4-0 against Vernon and looked very strong in almost all four games, tonight I dont think the Vipers or their fans saw the same Salmon Arm team we watched earlier in the season. I wasnt very impressed with the Backs tonight and didnt think they played or looked all that great. Salmon Arm just like Vernon was playing their first game since the Christmas break and it showed. The Backs defence wasnt nearly as strong as in the four previous games vs Vernon, Kris Moore who was basically lights out in his first two starts vs the Vipers made a few big saves early but allowed some big rebounds, seemed to be fighting the puck at times. Moore just didnt look very confident between the pipes. The Backs did manage to get some good chances in the 3rd but couldnt capitalise. Salmon Arm couldnt seem to carry the play or control the play for long periods of time. A bounce or two and we could have a different ending. Both teams took some liberty on one another tonight, I thought Salmon Arm got away with atleast two checking from behind calls in the opening period. The Vipers also got away with a few calls but this game could have gotten out of hand and thankfully it didnt. Both these teams will play the second game of a home and home series tomorrow night in Vernon. You can bet both teams will have the little bit of rust left over from the holidays off and I think both teams will look at the video and maybe change a few things. You can bet Salmon Arm will come up with a better effort tomorrow night. The Backs have been struggling latley and you have to wonder if all these trades-changes to the roster has something to do with it?

Tonight is the fifth meeting of the season & the first of a home and home series between the defending back to back Royal Bank Cup Champion Vernon Vipers & the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Tonight is the Vipers first game back after the Christmas break and final game of a current six game road trip for the Vipers, Vernon started out the trip before the Christmas break with a 5-2 win in Cowichan Valley, a 4-0 victory in Victoria, a 1-1 tie in Alberni Valley, a 3-2 win in Nanaimo and tied Penticton just before the holidays. Salmon Arm is also playing it’s first game after the Christmas break, the Silverbacks are coming off back to back losses before the Christmas break in a home and home series with the Westside Warriors. You can listen to today’s game live with Todd Miller, starting with the pre-game show at 6:45pm on 107.5 Kiss FM

-With ten days off for the Christmas break, getting off to a good start will be key for both teams. The Vipers need to be ready and keep things simple in the first five to ten minutes of the opening period and try and get their legs going

-Vernon is playing it’s best hockey of the season, unbeaten in their last ten games

-The Vipers last loss was a 5-4 overtime loss to the Langley Chiefs back on Saturday, November 20th in Langley

-The Vipers are unbeaten in their last seven road games (5-0-2)

-Goaltending will be key for both teams tonight

-Specialty teams will also be key for both teams tonight

-The Vipers who have had troubles scoring goals this season, need to try and get lots of traffic in front of Kris Moore. Vernon also needs to drive towards the net, and try and get some bodies in and around the Silverbacks crease

-Vernon has only surrendered 89 goals this season, wich is second best behind the league leading Powell River Kings, who have given up just 63

-Since their last meeting with the Backs back on November, 13th (4-3 Silverbacks win) the Vipers are 8-1-3-1

-The Vipers are only three points back of 1st place Penticton

-Blake Voth is 1-3 in his career vs. Salmon Arm

-Kirby Halcrow is 1-4 in his career vs. Salmon Arm

-The Vipers have played just three games at home in their last fourteen games

-Vernon has had troubles vs. Salmon Arm this season, and need to get some confidence going against the Backs incase both teams face off against each other in the playoffs

-After tonight’s game nine of Vernons next twelve games will be played at the Wesbild Centre

-Blake Voth (17-9-3 Record) is second in the league’s top ten goaltenders with a 2.07 GAA

-Vernon has the second worst powerplay in the league

-The Vipers are ranked 9th in the league on the penalty kill

-This is a huge series for both teams. Vernon is just three points up on Salmon Arm in the standings and needs to show the Silverbacks they can beat them

Since their last meeting back on November, 13th Salmon Arm has made a couple of changes,

14-Dec-10 The Coquitlam Express Hockey Club have transferred the playing rights of Brad Reid (90)(F) to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations.

30-Nov-10 The Salmon Arm Silverbacks Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Clayton Petrie (92)(F), Justin Krabben (91)(D) and future considerations to the Calgary Canucks Hockey Club of the AJHL in exchange for the playing rights of Kevin Mills (90)(D).

30-Nov-10 The Cowichan Valley Capitals Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Clayton Petrie (92)(F) to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations.

28-Nov-10 The Salmon Arm Silverbacks Hockey Club transfer the playing rights of Chase Martin (92)(G) to the Cowichan Valley Capitals Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations

-Salmon Arm who has only lost 5 games on home ice, will be tough once again tonight

-Specialty teams will be key

-Josh McKissock & Colin O’Hara are facing their former team. McKissock attended the Vipers training camp last season but was cut before signing with Salmon Arm this year, and O’Hara was an Assistant Coach in Vernon for just one season before leaving for a head coaching job in the SJHL. O’Hara is in his first season with the Silverbacks.

-Tonight is the first of a four game home stand for the Silverbacks

-Kris Moore (11-4-1 Record) is tenth in the league’s top ten goaltenders with a 2.80 GAA

-Clinton Atkinson has points in seven straight games

-Salmon Arm has the leagues second best powerplay & as well as the leagues second best penalty kill

-The Backs who are 4-0 against Vernon this season, seem to have the Vipers number this year. The Silverbacks seem to have confidence playing against the Vipers

Former Vernon Vipers forward, Aaron Volpatti playing in just his sixth NHL game with the Vancouver Canucks, got into his first and second career NHL fights all in the same game last night as Vancouver defeated Philadelphia 6-2. Volpatti played three season's in Vernon (2003-06).

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Former Vernon Lakers forward, Glen Metropolit and Team Canada fell 3-2 to HC Davos today at the 2010 Spengler Cup in DAVOS, Switzerland. Metropolit who played one season in Vernon (1994-95) went pointless in Canada's loss.

The Oklahoma City Barons of the American Hockey League have signed Former Vernon Vipers forward, Andrew Lord to a PTO contract. Lord played two seasons in Vernon (2002-04) and is in his third season with the ECHL Wheeling Nailers. Lord was named captain of the Nailers back on, November 16th. The Nailers loaned Lord to the Barons yesterday, but then later on yesterday afternoon the Barons offered Lord a PTO contract.

This is posted on the Barons website:

BARONS SIGN FORWARD ANDREW LORD

PRESS RELEASES

(by Josh Evans, OKC Barons)

The Oklahoma City Barons of the American Hockey League, signed forward Andrew Lord to a PTO, Barons general manager Bill Scott announced today.

Lord, a 6-3, 200-pounder from West Vancouver, BC. is in his third season as a professional with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL. With the Nailers this season, Lord has 19 points (7-12-19) and 74 penalty minutes. He is third on his team in scoring and leads the Wheeling team in penalty minutes and game-winning goals (3).

This is Lord’s second call up to the AHL this season and third overall. In two games with Milwaukee earlier this season he recorded five penalty minutes.

After seven days of rest between games, the Barons return to their schedule with five games in a six-day period. That stretch starts at home tomorrow against the Texas Stars at 7:05 p.m. Following two road games December 29 and 31 against San Antonio, the Barons return home for a pair against the Rockford IceHogs on January 1 and 2.

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender, Jon Olthuis is currently in his first season with the SPHL Augusta RiverHawks. In 15 games with the RiverHawks, Olthuis is 7-7 with a 3.26 GAA. Olthuis played two seasons in Vernon (2004-06) before playing four years at University of Alaska-Anchorage. On March 30th the ECHL Alaska Aces added the former UAA goaltender as a third string emergency backup goaltender for the playoffs, Aces starting goaltender, Scott Reird returned to the lineup after his injury wich ment Olthuis was then released on April 4th. Olthuis signed with the CHL Dayton Gems this past summer but was released on October, 12th prior to the regular season.

I found a good article on Olthuis and his farming days back home. This was in the Augusta Chronicle back on November, 19th

RiverHawks goalie learned toughness on the farm

By Billy Byler

Friday, Nov. 19, 2010

A blanket of snow covered Neerlandia this week as the small town located just north of Edmonton braced for another cold Canadian winter.

Augusta RiverHawks goalie Jon Olthuis knows there's no chance of the snow melting, and he didn't have to consult the weather forecast, which calls for a high of 12 degrees and a low of minus-6 today.

Neerlandia is Olthuis' home, and a farm that raised pigs and grew grain was the setting for his childhood. Days started early during the summer when the sun rose just after 5 a.m. and gave more than 17 hours of sunlight. Dark winters sometimes offered fewer than eight hours of sun, and Olthuis' work in the family business toughened him up.

"I don't know what the reputation is down here, but up there everybody knows farm boys are always a hard-working group," he said. "Weekends and weeknights after school you give your dad help and pitch in on the farm. You just felt like it was your obligation. They didn't really force you. Just daily chores: feeding the pigs, washing rooms, shoveling out grain bins. There were lots of job."

With two other brothers working as well, Olthuis said the family farm thrived until the market fell out of the hog industry. But grain is still profitable, and the work continued.

"We grow wheat, barley and canola. Canola is the big one," he said. "Back home, a lot of guys farm in the summer and fall, and get a job in the winter. My brothers, one drives a log truck in the winter and the other one drives an equipment hauler."

Olthuis' winter job is to stop drives. He is the starting goalie for the RiverHawks and has been in goal for all four of the team's wins. The first-year expansion team will try for win No. 5 tonight when it plays host to the Columbus Cottonmouths at 7:30 p.m. at James Brown Arena.

Through 10 games, Olthuis has made seven starts. Aside from allowing six goals in a loss at Pensacola last weekend, the 25-year-old netminder has proved his worth as a No. 1 goalie.

"For the most part, Jon's played really well," coach Brad Ralph said. "Every league that you're in there's an adjustment period, and I think it took him a couple of weeks to get into it. Other than that, I've been pretty pleased with him."

The University of Anchorage-Alaska product has shown promise in his first year as a professional. He hasn't allowed an overtime goal in two extra periods and made 38 saves in a 5-3 win at Huntsville on Nov. 11.

Olthuis posted a season-high 38 saves in a loss to Knoxville on Oct. 29 for his second loss in three starts, but he followed that up with three consecutive wins.

The rookie has seen more time in goal than all but one other SPHL goalie, and Olthuis has pored over those game tapes to help make the RiverHawks' inaugural season a successful one.

"I would say outside of Florida things have been progressing well," he said.

"The puck does a lot of work in pro hockey, so the biggest adjustment is to read more of what the pucks are going to do than the players. That's probably the biggest challenge for me."

It's a challenge that has been simplified thanks to a childhood of farm work. Stopping pucks isn't an intimidating task compared to stopping pigs.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Former Vernon Vipers forward, Andrew Lord has been loaned to the Oklahoma City Barons of the American Hockey League. Lord played two seasons in Vernon (2002-04) and is in his third season with the ECHL Wheeling Nailers. Lord was named captain of the Nailers back on, November 16th.

This is posted on the Nailers website:

Lord Loaned To Oklahoma City

ECHL Press Release December 27, 2010

WHEELING, WV – The Wheeling Nailers announced today, team captain Andrew Lord has been loaned to the Oklahoma City Barons of the American Hockey League.

Lord joins the Edmonton Oilers farm team leading the Nailers in penalty minutes (74) and game winning goals (3) while also standing in third place on the team in points (19). Lord played in two games earlier this season with the Milwaukee Admirals amassing 5 penalty minutes. He is in his third season with the Nailers, serving his second as team captain.

Metropolit or as Vernon fans know him as "Metro" played one season with the Vernon Lakers back in 1994-95 before joining the IHL Atlanta Knights the following season. Metro played several years in the IHL, ECHL and AHL before finally signing a contract with the NHL Washington Capitals back in 1999. Metropolit played with Washington twice, Tampa Bay, Atlanta, St. Louis, Boston, Philadelphia and Montreal before signing with Switzerland's National League A for EV Zug over the summer.

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender, Mark Sibbald signed with the SPHL Huntsville Havoc back in late October. This is Sibbalds second go around with the Havoc. Sibbald is 7-3 this season with a 2.38 GAA and is the leagues second best goaltender. Sibbald played two seasons in Vernon (2003-05) before playing four years at Brown University. Sibbald signed with the Wichita Thunder back on September, 27th 2010 but was released just before the start of the regular season on October, 14th 2010. Sibbald split time among three teams and two leagues in 2009-10. The Ridgeway, Ontario native opened, and finished, his rookie campaign with eventual SPHL champion Huntsville. Sibbald anchored the Havoc crease with a 2.82 goals against average and a .910 save percentage that produced a 15-4-3 record. In between his tours with Huntsville, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound Sibbald was 5-4-1 during an 11-game stint for the Mississippi RiverKings, including a stretch where he won five consecutive starts in an eight-day span from January 22nd-29th. The 26-year old also appeared in one game for the Laredo Bucks.

Former Vernon Vipers forward, Kory Roy is in his second season with the AJHL Canmore Eagles and is currently 7th in league scoring (22-24-46) Roy played just one season in Vernon (2008-09) before being traded to Canmore in August of 2009 along with future considerations for defenceman, Dan Nycholat. Last year Roy collected (11-27-38) in 57 games with the Eagles. Roy is third in team scoring playing in his final year of Junior hockey.

Former Vernon Vipers forward, Brett Switzer is in his third season with the AJHL Spruce Grove Saints and is currently 29th in league scoring (18-18-36) Switzer was recruited by the Vipers, but played in just a few games in Vernon (2008-09) before being traded on September, 16th 2008 to the AJHL Spruce Grove Saints in a three team trade wich landed the Vipers forward, Bryce Kakoske from the Surrey Eagles. Last year Switzer collected (13-14-27) Switzer and the Saints lost in Game 7 to the Vipers in the Doyle Cup final. Switzer is in his final year of Junior hockey, before heading to Yale University next season.

1990 & 1991 Vernon Lakers Inducted Into Okanagan Sports Hall Of Fame

The 1969-70 & 1971-72 Vernon Essos were inducted into the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame in November 2014

1999 Vernon Vipers Inducted Into BC Hockey Hall Of Fame

The 1999 Vernon Vipers were inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame In July 2016

On December 2nd 2017 the Vernon Vipers honoured the 1956 Vernon Canadians and former Vernon Esso's legend Wayne Dye. The 1956 Vernon Canadians Allen Cup banner along side Wayne Dye's #8 Legends banner were raised to the rafters at Kal Tire Place

Kal Tire Place-Home to the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame

The Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1982 through the vision of Vernon resident and sports enthusiast, Nick Alexis. With the support of Vernon City Council, Alexis and a dedicated group of volunteers created a series of outdoor exhibits celebrating the region’s dynamic sporting history in Vernon’s Cenotaph Park. That same year, the new organization unveiled its first round of inductees to the Hall of Fame. Several years later, in 2001, the Hall of Fame moved its exhibits into the newly constructed Vernon Multiplex now known as Kal Tire Place.

About Me

I first created this blog in November of 2008. This coming season will be my ninth season doing this blog. I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and have been going to Junior Hockey games in Vernon since I was a young child. I purchased my first set of season tickets in 1990
I have had season tickets for the last 26 years, Since 1990 I have missed 42 home games.
In September of 2009 I missed my first home game since 2002-03 wich my streak of 236 straight Vipers home games came to an end. Ive missed just three Vipers home games since the 1998-1999 season.
I worked with the Vipers back in 2003-04 as colour comentator helping out with a few games over the internet. In 2011 I helped deisgn, create and put together the Vipers new website for the 2011-12 season. I ran and updated the Vipers website for five seasons, keeping all staff bios and pictures updated, adding new game photos, doing a game preview on game days, as well as adding any Vipers news, scores or BCHL news through out the season.
Over the years I have travelled to Victoria, Dauphin & Camrose to watch the Vipers in the RBC Cup. I was also at the 1990 Centennial Cup & 2014 RBC Cup in Vernon.